ETOH Abuse

ETOH Abuse: When it is said that an individual is suffering from ETOH abuse what it means is that they are abusing alcohol. Most people have not heard of alcoholism being referred to as ETOH abuse and this is because this phrase is predominantly used in the medical and rehabilitation sector. The word ETOH is short for ethanol, which is the primary ingredient in alcohol.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) shares some rather staggering statistics about ETOH abuse. Primarily, nearly 8% of the US population abuses alcohol or is an alcoholic according to diagnostic standards. A close member of the family that is an alcoholic or is recovering has touched more than 50% of all households in the US. 25% of children under the age of 18 have an alcoholic in their family.

Because drinking alcohol on a social basis is so accepted it can be hard for a person with a drinking problem to face the brutal facts that they have a problem and suffer from ETOH abuse or alcoholism. There is a difference between the two but the line is very thin. There are a number of factors that must be considered when attempting to evaluate why a person is suffering from ETOH abuse. The drinking may have started out innocently and it worked to eliminate inhibitions, to mask depression, or to cope with loneliness or grief.

Genetics also play a significant role in ETOH abuse and those who have any kind of addiction in their family have an increased risk for developing a drinking problem. Even people that may not necessarily have addiction in their family but have a history of mental illness are at an elevated risk. Peer pressure and change are also relevant factors that need to be considered.

ETOH abuse has a definite pattern; it usually starts out innocently and then becomes the most important thing in the individual's life as the drinking becomes more and more regular. Soon, the drinking becomes destructive and ETOH abuse almost always ends in full-blown alcoholism. 

Once alcoholism has developed it is impossible for the individual to function without alcohol even when the consequences are severe. Little by little relationships begin to unravel, jobs are lost, families are broken, and legal problems arise.

ETOH abuse and eventual alcoholism are usually accompanied by blackouts, weight loss, stomach problems, and other troubles. Heavy drinkers eventually develop a tolerance where they must drink more to get the desired effect and if the drinking is ceased then severe withdrawal symptoms develop.

Very often individuals suffering from ETOH abuse will have the "shakes" when they haven't had a drink in a while. Those who meet these criteria should never attempt to quit drinking without the help of a qualified treatment center so that a safe detox can be offered.

Have you or a loved one placed yourself in dangerous situations, including drunk driving, do you plan to just have a single drink but then find that you can't stop with one, have you noticed that you are easier to anger and get frustrated, do you avoid places where drinking alcohol is not acceptable, or have you just about ran out of excuses at your job because you have missed so much time? If you or a loved one has developed a drinking problem you should know that help is available. These are all signs that your life is spinning out of control.

One of the biggest problems with ETOH abuse and alcoholism is the denial factor. The denial equals rationalization, which equals more drinking. It truly is a vicious cycle. The individual will find ways to place blame somewhere else or to under estimate the damage that their drinking is causing. This is typical and is a big red flag for trouble.

Alcoholics do not see what the rest of their family sees and they do not assess the damage that they are causing the same. Alcoholism is a family disease, which is why it is so important for the family to under go treatment while the addict is away in recovery.

In every family of an alcoholic there is at least one enabler present. While this person(s) is suffering by covering the individual's tracks financially, at work, legally and in relationships, they continue to do so. These people need help too to break the cycle effectively.

Children of alcoholics are in great danger, and often overlooked. Not only have they seen the damage of alcohol and ETOH abuse firsthand by living it, they are also at future risk of developing some form of substance abuse problem themselves. This means that they need to be educated while they are young so they do not fall prey to alcoholism or drug addiction later on.

The saddest part of loving an alcoholic is when they refuse to admit they have a problem because the truth is that as long as they do not have the desire to quit no treatment will help them. The next thing that you should know is that without formal treatment your loved one will not be able to stay sober. They need a safe and medically supervised detox followed by professional help. They also need skills that teach them how to cope. This cannot happen over night and it will take time but in the end it will be so rewarding.

Once the family unit is healthy and has healed then other issues can be addressed and mended. Now is the time for healing and it can begin once you make that phone call for help.

Genesis House Inc. is a leader in addiction treatment and have helped thousands of people recover from the devastating consequences of their addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 or 561-439-4070 for immediate help and answers. More information is available on our web site http://www.genesishouse.net or please email us at info@genesishouse.net